Oblivion: The Legendary Varla Stone – Unlocking Secrets in Skyrim’s Shadows

If you’re a fan of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, chances are you’ve heard whispers of the fearsome Varla Stone. But what exactly is the Varla Stone, and why does it hold such a powerful place in Skyrim lore? In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll dive deep into the origins, powers, and myths surrounding the Oblivion Varla Stone — a key artifact tied to the deadly magic of the Varla, the shadowy spirits of manipulation and deceit.


Understanding the Context

What Is the Varla Stone in Skyrim?

The Varla Stone is a mystical relic featured prominently in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, particularly in relation to the game’s dark magic and the Varla—spirits associated with deception, corruption, and transformation. Though never physically contained, the Varla Stone symbolizes the corruption that spreads through the land when Varla magic consumes a soul.

In-game, the Varla Stone is tied to the Varla, one of the major factions of Skyrim’s meta-canon story, embodying dark manipulation and moral ambiguity. The stone itself is often described as an ancient, pulsating black gem, radiating unnatural energy that saps willpower and distorts reality. It represents not just a magical object, but a dangerous force tied to themes of betrayal and inner darkness.


Key Insights

The Origins of the Varla Stone: Legends and Lore

The origins of the Varla Stone remain shrouded in mystery, but Skyrim lore offers compelling clues. The Varla — spirit-like beings of elven supernatural origin — were believed to merge with corrupted souls, transforming them into agents of chaos. The Varla Stone is thought to have been forged from the remnants of such a corrupted soul, charged with Oblivion’s essence — the destructive force that dissolved the empire of Tamriel centuries earlier.

Some tales claim the stone is a key artifact from the Great War, forged in the fires of magical conflict between the Tamrielic empires and résurrected forces—possibly even tied to the manipulation of time, space, and fate. Though never fully revealed by in-game lore, the stone’s presence reinforces Immortal’s deep lore themes of power, corruption, and the thin line between mortal and supernatural.


The Power and Effects of the Varla Stone

Final Thoughts

Unlike most magical items in Skyrim that grant healing or buffs, the Varla Stone wields a far darker influence. Its corrupting essence disrupts psychic awareness, sows doubt, and corrupts the mind, aligning users (mostly Varla-possessed or influenced) with deception and manipulation. Players seeking the stone face risks including mental instability, loss of self, and gradual transformation into a lesser Varla—units feared for their psychological warfare.

In-game encounters rarely show the stone directly, but players uncover ancient inscriptions, shadowed ruins, and whispered prophecies centered on its ominous power. It remains a potent ender-gem-worthy artifact, representing ultimate temptation within the game’s rich narrative.


How to Find the Varla Stone in Skyrim

Since the Varla Stone is a legendary, in-world artifact—not a tangible quest item—finding it requires digging deep into Skyrim’s exploration layers:

  • Key Regions: Search ruined Varla cult sites, ancient Elven ruins, or mysterious cave systems deep in the Daggerforest or The Pale.
  • Clues and NPCs: Key moral dialogue with old wanderers, warlocks, or cursed souls may hint towards locations tied to Oblivion rituals.
  • Collectibles Related to Oblivion: Items like corrupted talismans, shadow relics, or forbidden tomes often accompany or foreshadow the Varla Stone’s whereabouts.

The stone’s true location remains unknown, shrouded in myth—perfect for lore enthusiasts and challenge-seekers alike.


Why the Varla Stone Matters for Skyrim Fans

Beyond gameplay, the Varla Stone enriches Skyrim’s narrative with themes of corruption, power, and identity. It embodies the struggle between light and shadow, a core element in Elder Scrolls storytelling. For fans collecting ender gear, defeating Varla-era enemies near the stone or deciphering its lore deepens immersion.